Twins

I promise this is the last blog about baby calves, but I couldn't resist sharing these two little cuties. Born a week ago, they are the littlest calves I've ever seen. Of course, my hubby, who tries to raise cattle for profit, isn't as impressed with them as I am, especially since they and their momma have to be penned up separate from the rest of the herd. That means a little extra work feeding & watering, and they won't grow as fast as the others so that will add time and money to get them raised, but I still enjoy watching them and marvel at how strong they are for their size. They race around and chase my dog out of their pen like they are really tough. Of course, the dog is bigger than they are, and she knows she isn't allowed to chase back, so they think they are all that!!

Can I Be Grandma to Cows?

A couple of years ago we lost a couple of cows that had month old calves. Since they were too little to wean I got the job of bottle feeding them. I like to do that with heifers, cuz I know we can keep them. There's not much future for steers here! Anyway, these two little girls did great and were turned back out with the herd last summer to take their place as cows. They aren't as tame as they used to be, but will let me get pretty close and sometimes give them a scratch.
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, on the coldest (seemed like) night of the winter they both decided to calve at nearly the same time. The first one, "Uno", got along fine, but when we checked in the early morning, "Ebony" had just had hers and instead of drying off, it's hair was completely frozen!!! Got them all into a barn with some heat and dried off and they are doing great. I watch them racing around in circles and playing with the other calves and I have to say, I do feel a little bit of grandmotherly pride!
Just another thing I like about country life and being a "cowgirl".

Great Cowgirl Horse Fest!

Doesn't seem possible that it's time to start thinking about the horse show season again. My granddaughter is really getting fired up to get started. My woolly mare with her fat hay belly isn't quite as excited! :0)
There's a big Equifest Event in Wichita, Kansas this weekend and we are headed down to check out all the latest fashions and learn a few tips for working with our horses. I'm really looking forward to it.
Of course, we're still checking out the great deals at The Cowgirl Boutique. Hoping to pick up some great ideas to pass along here.

Great Gifts for Cowgirls

Doesn't seem possible, but it's time to start thinking about Christmas shopping again! Where did this last year go! Since my granddaughter has really gotten into showing my horse this summer and is looking forward to showing next spring, I'm thinking of some great gifts for her or any cowgirl.
One thing I know she needs is a new western belt. Of course, boots and a new hat are also on her list! It's a good thing I love to shop at Ebay - there's always lots of great products at bargain prices there! Actually, the boots and shirt she's wearing in the previous post picture were purchased on Ebay!
I couldn't resist adding another picture of her and my horse - aren't they both great?!

Another Fair & Rodeo Behind Us

The local fair and rodeo was last week. Of course, it always lands on the hottest days of the year, but that doesn't stop us from having a really great time. My granddaughter is learning to show my quarterhorse, so we had the horse at the fair for 4 days. Haley did a great job and showed me what a responsible little 11 year old she is getting to be. That's her in the picture showing off her 3rd place ribbon. Not bad for the very first time she participated in a riding class. Getting her outfitted in a new western shirt and new western boots to match really paid off in her confidence level. She's gung-ho and rarin' to do more!

This shy little guy is my grandson. He also got a third place - in the Mutton bustin'. Of course, Grandma thought he had the best ride and should have gotten first, but there's always another rodeo!

Lots of people think I'm crazy to enjoy all the dirt, heat, cleaning out stalls and all the other work, but I guess it's just the cowgirl in me. Nothing better than spending time with my grandkids and my horse. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Get Outfitted in Style For The Rodeo

I't's almost time for the fair and rodeo here where I live. We've been working with the horses and sprucing up our western wardrobes. The Cowgirl Boutique has a great selection of western clothes, accessories and boots to keep you in "cowgirl" style. So far, I've found a great western show shirt for my granddaughter, new cowboy boots for my daughter and searching a little deeper, I found the cutest cowboy boots for the 2 grandsons.
Riding in the parade, mutton bustin', horse showing and just hanging out will be our agenda this week. I think the only one not looking forward to it is the horse!
Hopefully, I'll get some great pictures of all these activities to share next week.

Collecting Pretty Horses

I couldn't resist sharing a picture of my two girls. Of course, they were way out in the pasture and not about to come closer for a better picture! I really love watching them and having them around. As a girl, I always wanted a horse - can't remember a time when I didn't, so I was always into playing with toy horses as much as I could! They didn't have all the neat collectible horses back then that they have now - or at least not that I knew of in my small world out in the boonies!

When I first noticed the Breyer horses, my sister-in-law was buying one for each of her girls each year for Christmas. They were a special tradition and a cherished collection. When my daughter was old enough to inherit the family love of horses, I started finding her a Breyer each year for Christmas. We have a palomino pony just like the first pony that she had and when we bought the gray mare (above) we had to find a gray Breyer to add to the collection.

Now that my daughter is grown and my granddaughter is also horse crazy, we're still adding to the Breyer collection.

Collecting model horses is a great pastime to share with your kids and grandkids. There are several other popular brands besides Breyer, so there is a wonderful variety of horses to choose from. I know I have never lived in a house where there weren't some toy horses around and there probably always will be.

For some information about model horses and a great selection of all the brands at low auction prices, check out http://www.horsecrazycollectibles.com